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Written By Appolonia

April 19, 2020, 8:45 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

I have begun doing some simple experimentations in alchemy lately, to satisfy my curiosity on the particles of matter, and because I have no better occupation when it is so dreadfully cold out.

I look outside of my window and I look back at these glass bowls and I wonder, sometimes. When the particles are put into a particular fluid they will often sit and then they will gradually reduce in their visible size. They will, with the aid of fire or manual stirring, dissolve and disappear from view. When this happens, the fluid has changed. A simple example, O Posterity, would be to take some refined sugar and stir it into boiling water.

My thoughts turn outwards, when I do this, betimes. I see people speak with heat and passion. Sometimes I try to bring my custom to a shop and am gently informed that I am not welcome. I am in other cases reminded of injustices and imbalances in the nature of other events. In yet others, I am shown increase; and in others, death and decay.

At times I wonder, and I suppose I write this to nobody in particular.

A tree may live a thousand years, and there are great tortoises in the islands that are said to have lives far beyond those of man (though perhaps not of elf). Other creatures may have similar spans of life; though I do not know what sort.

Are there eyes to whom we are but particles of life, vivid specks of blood, dissolving in oil of vitriol? Are there hands that mind the crucible's flame, or draw the glass rod round? When I dissolve the powdered stone in the aqua regia, what would the fragments experience? Would it be horror, for them? A holy apotheosis?

Or would the stone perceive it as the nature of things?

Written By Bianca

April 19, 2020, 8:40 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

I often wonder how many people have questions that go unasked because they are worried they might be perceived as foolish, or worse still. Certainly there is a time and a place for certain questions, and questions asked at the wrong place or wrong time can have unpleasant results.

But I lament all those questions that have gone unvoiced, all the same. Our system, our society, even our faith, only improves upon itself when there are those willing to question the way things are done. Our knowledge only grows when we question how a thing happens.

We only grow as people when we have the courage to reflect and question our behaviors.

Change that comes unbidden is a more rare thing than people might think. Events can occur to force it on a grand scale, but we only truly change when we allow ourselves to. When we pursue it, relentlessly.

Tinder needs a spark, or else it's simply tinder.

Written By Philippe

April 19, 2020, 8:36 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Cristoph

One of the kindnesses of growing old is seeing children grow into the adults you always hoped they would be. It was a pleasure to see the Duke the other day. Sometimes we must be reminded that our long marches do pay benefits we may live to see.

Written By Korka

April 19, 2020, 8:26 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Sometimes it surprises me how disappointing people can be.

Not often, since I expect it, but sometimes.

Written By Lucita

April 19, 2020, 8:15 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Quenia

Strong and enduring. You'll get through this, too.

Written By Tanith

April 19, 2020, 7:48 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

WE HAD A PARTY. YES. Party.

where is my-

Written By Valencia

April 19, 2020, 7:28 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Sometimes I dream of past things. What could-have-beens. Dreams of what I deeply wanted with all my heart, now lost. Or those who held my heart and now are gone from my life.

These dreams seem so perfect when I wake. All the ills and scars rubbed smooth by time and faded memories. But with the cold light of day the fissures and fractures are brought into sharper focus and burn my dreamy fancies away.

Will I still yearn and dream? Will I still hope? Yes, I am believe I remain human and have a heart. I want to believe in miracles and hope.

And, should it come to pass that new life is found in barren ground, well, I shall feel blessed and kiss my luck full on the face for such a beautiful gift. But I don't wish to hold breath as the waters of grief to rise up and wash over me while I wait for what could-have-beens. For that is how you drown and I have so much more life to partake in.

~~~~~~<~<@

Written By Shae

April 19, 2020, 7:15 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Kedehern

I'm thankful to have Kedehern as my friend and husband, and for his unfailing support. That he is my partner to walk along side me.

Written By Shae

April 19, 2020, 7:12 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

It's frustrating to think that you thought you were on the right path, and to find out you were wrong the whole time. I can't change that, all I can do is to find a new way, or a new path forward.

Written By Shae

April 19, 2020, 7:10 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

It seems the constant morning sickness has finally passed. The baby seems to be very active though, I think that is a good sign. We just passed six months not long ago.

Written By Sorrel

April 19, 2020, 6:59 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

It seems like a popular day to write white journals. The archives are quite full of people eagerly recording their lives and times.

As to me, it's been a week of strange but hopeful dreams. I am eager to see what comes of all the things that we have been slowly working on over time.

What an exciting time to be alive!

Written By Sydney

April 19, 2020, 6:53 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Markers of a successful party:

I got a ring, kissed by the bride, kissed the groom, did an obstacle course, got absolutely trashed, accused Korka of being a Shadow, then ran out to retch, and then came back in and drank more.

...I don't remember much else.

It was amazing.

Written By Dycard

April 19, 2020, 6:40 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

The groundwork is laid. I still have more people to meet, to smile at and drink with to truly make this plan as prosperous as possible, but the basics are in place - Blackshore will take to the waves and hunt great beasts again, scholar, as we did in the Reckoning. The harpoons shall fly, we'll spill the blood of the ocean's whales on our shores, and the wind will fill our sails.

I would be lying if I didn't feel a sense of pride, standing at the prow of the Gambit and picturing us running the sea's bounty to ground. Do not mistake this for bloodlust - I find no enjoyment in the idea of the kill, but there *is* enjoyment and adrenaline to the hunt, the chase. To pitting our wills and our steel against the mighty beasts of the sea, and winning. The fact that this will put New Hope on the map and further our House's ambitions is but a bonus.

This does lead me to my other concerns, however. As I think of whaling and how it will better Blackshore, New Hope and our subjects, I cannot help but think of the legends that circulate about my family, and the last time we spilt the blood of great beasts on our shores. My uncle's dreams concern me, and my lack of direct progress in my investigations gnaws at the back of my mind as if the very thought itself is hungry. By the same token, when I am not distracted, particularly at night when sleep eludes me, my thoughts are called back to the sea.

Something is down there, scholar, in the unchartable depths. Its call has been quieted of late, but I cannot escape the feeling that it is only a matter of time before it calls again, with renewed strength.

Written By Lucene

April 19, 2020, 6:32 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Everyone has a choice. Everyone should have that freedom and that power.

But I do wonder if choosing to make somebody else make a choice to you falls under that, as well. I reckon it would, what about you, Scholar?

Written By Corrigan

April 19, 2020, 6:27 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Tanith

Not the worst party I've been to. Shame about the ending, but I guess it's inevitable in certain company.

Congratulations, I guess.

Written By Cristoph

April 19, 2020, 6:24 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Alis

Princess Alis is an excellent co-host of meetings.

Written By Cristoph

April 19, 2020, 6:22 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Relationship Note on Jael

Sometimes even now, Jael and myself are prone to moments of sibling bickering. But there's also many more moments where she knows my mind as well as I do and there's a comfort to that. I've never for a moment regretted the decision to bring her on as a Voice for our house.

Written By Bhandn

April 19, 2020, 5:34 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

I have not been writing as much lately. Too much of my time has been spent in research and frustration. This is not to say I've been shirking at duties, but rather that any time for myself has been a grueling slog through text after text, hoping to find something that's relevant to the topic. I can only stand so many allusions in one day; I don't know how the lad can be happy going through so many treatises, let alone keep track of them all, but he actually said to me that it was fun for him. I can't judge a young man for doing what he wants.

Still, I suppose complaints are something I should not be putting to paper. It's good to be able to repay others for their aid. While I don't mind a bit of charity myself, it leaves me feeling as though it should be a favor returned. Perhaps that's my father's influence; merchants typically don't give out something for free, but rather expect payment for their goods. I think it was that as well as knighthood that makes me feel this need.

I will have to think on that, once I have finished this current project.

Written By Delilah

April 19, 2020, 5:11 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Strongly considering I need a new hobby.

Written By Delilah

April 19, 2020, 5:11 p.m.(2/22/1013 AR)

Language is not a servant of perception. It -is- perception, giving form and shape to ideas.

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